About Me

Hi, I’m Tom. I’m a DJ, record collector, radio show host and the founder of Mother of Mankind.  My love for African music started when I was a child, with my papa playing me records from Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, The Bhundu Boys, Lijadu Sisters and many more.  Much of my dad’s African record collection now resides with me in my own collection at home in Frome, Somerset. 

With twenty years of experience running parties and club nights, I launched 'Mother of Mankind in the Secret Basement' in Frome, as well as DJing at We Out Here, Secret Garden Party, ION in Albania plus Frome Festival a bit closer to home.

The Mother of Mankind radio show started during lockdown and explores the music of Africa, one country at a time.  The journey around Africa has now covered more than twenty countries, and has featured interviews with a number of artists, including Chief Boima of the Kondi Band, Kora player Seckou Keita, Cuban Pianist Omar Sosa, Simo Lagnawi of Gnawa London and Electric Jalaba, Nomagik, Sudanese producer SUFYVN, and author of A Quick Ting on Afrobeats Christian Adofo.

As a DJ I draw upon a broad spectrum of music from across the continent of Africa and beyond.  From Soukous to Afrobeat, Township to Tsapiky, Desert Blues to Makossa, Chimurenga to Benga, I try to bring new music and positive vibes whether on the radio or in the DJ booth. Outside of my focus on African music, I have also been known to play disco, soul, funk, hip-hop and house.

In 2020 I teamed up with a speaker design specialist to build a bespoke, striking and compact audiophile soundsystem.  The system was designed to elevate the sounds of African voices and instruments and to create an intimate and energising atmosphere.

I studied Ethnomusicology at University so have a curiosity about the culture, people and instruments that converge to create the music.

I’m open to discuss new opportunities either as a DJ or with the addition of the soundsystem. Get in touch below if you want to chat!